Gun carriage



R. w. ALLEN Jan. 2, 1947.

GUN CARRIAGE Filed June 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet l Jan. 28, 1947. R. W.ALLEN 2,415,024

GUN CARRIAGE Filed June 25, 1942 13 Shee .s-Sm=,erl 2 32: jg? "i lSyVUQ/YVOD I 62 @Amano w. ALLER Y f n R. w. ALLEN GUN CARRIAGE jan. 28,1947.

Filed June 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 mam/twv QAYMoNnw um R. w. ALLENJan. 28, 1947.

GUN CARRIAGE Filed Jun 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 QAYMOND c ALLEN l@V55/LK.

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R. W. ALLEN Jan. 28, 947.V

GUN CARRIAGE Filed June 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan 28, 1947. R. w.ALLEN 2,415,024

GUN CARRIAGE Filed June 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 3 wam/tofu QAYMOND WALLEN @M Ggf? Jam.. 28, 1947. R, w ALLEN 2,415,024

GN CARRIAGE Filed June 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet 7 RAYMOND W. ALLN Y an.28, 1947. R. w. ALLEN 2,45,024

GUN CARRIAG Filed June 25, 1942 A 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 gip/WMM QAYMOND W.ALLEN w @ffff www Jan. 28, 1947. R. w. ALLEN 2,415,024

GUN CARRIAGE Filed June 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 www R. lw. ALLEN GUNCARRIAGE R. W. ALLEN GUN CARRIAGE Jan. 28, 1947.

15 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed June 25, 1942 jan. 2.8, 1947. R, W, ALLEN2,415,024

GUN CARRIAGE Filed June 25, 1942 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 Qwvwrvof,

QYMOND ALLEN Jan. 28, 1947. R, w, ALLEN 2,415,024

GUN CARRIAGE Filed June 25A, 1942 l5 Sheets-Sheet l5 3mm/1m QAYMno w.ALLE# Patented Jan. 28, 1947 NiTED STATES P i' Nr ori-ics GUN CARRIAGEApplication June 25, 1942, Serial No. 448,472

4 Claims. l

This invention relates to improvements in gun carriages. The terms guncarriage or gun mount as herein employed include a wheeled frame orchassis, together with gun mounting means supported thereby and controlmechanism for movement of the gun through both horizontal and verticalplanes for the sighting thereof.

The present invention pertains primarily to improvements in guncarriages of the general type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,103,670 toVictor Hammer et al., and commonly termed the Boiors gun carriage.

An important object of the invention is to proF vde improved means forthe rotatable mounting of a top carriage on a chassis or main frame.

Another object is to provide improvements in the draught bar of a guncarriage.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide improved steeringmechanism in a carriage of this type.

Still another object resides in the provision of an improved means forjournaling driving` and drivenV shafts and interconnecting gears in guncontrol mechanisms.

A further object is to provide an improved method of assembling guncarriage frame members whereby to increase the strength thereof whiledecreasing the required labor of production.

Further objects are generally to improve and simplify gun carriages forone or more of the purposes above stated, and particularly as related tocarriages of the Bofors type.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows in elevation a gun carriage having the present inventionincorporated therein, the gun illustrated being of the anti-aircrafttype.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the carriage shown in Fig. 1, the gun and itsoperating mechanism not shown.

Fig. 3 is a rear elevation of the carriage shown in Fig. l with thecarriage frame resting on the ground in gun firing or wheel retractedposition.

Fig. 4 shows the carriage in front elevation with the wheels in loweredor traveling position.

Fig. 5 is a plan View of the turntable platform with the gun removed tobest illustrate the layout of the gun operating mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through the main carriage frame showingthe wheel raising and 1owering mechanism in detail.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the front yoke lockingmechanism.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal fragmentary section through the iront axle andwheel suspension mechanism.

Fig. 9 is a rear view of the gun supporting or trunnion bracket with theturntable or upper carriage base shown in section.

Fig. i0 illustrates alternate bearing means between the turntable andits support bracket.

Fig. 11 illustrates the manner in which the diagonally disposed bearingrolls of the device of Fig. 10 are alternatively positioned within acage.

Fig. l2 is taken along line !3--I3, Fig. l2.

Fig. 13 shows in side elevation the upper riage oase and bracket of Fig.10.

Fig. 14 is a vertical section through the traversing mechanism.

Fig. 15 shows in vertical section the manual drive coupling associatedwith the traversing mechanism.

Fig. 16 is taken along line I-I1, Fig. 16.

Fig. 17 is a. front elevation, mostly in section, of the gun elevatingmechanism.

Fig. 18 shows, mostly in vertical section, the device of Fig. 18, and atright angles to the view of Fig. 18.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of the gun stay, one locking pin being shown insection.

Fig. 20 is taken along line 2I-2I, Fig, 2 0.

Fig. 21 is a plan View of an Outrigger locking device and pivot pin.

Fig. 22 shows the device of Fig. 22 in longitudinal section.

As best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the illustrated carriage comprises achassis or main frame generally designated I5, and a top carriage i6supported on the chassis and movable through a horizontal plane, the topcarriage being mounted on a turntable providing mounting for a gun Ilhaving trunnions I8 journaled to the top carriage to allow pivotalmovement of the gun through a vertical plane.

The carriage chassis I5 comprises a tubular gull lhorizontal framemember ZI), substantially rectangular in cross section, and having atthe ends thereof right angularly disposed axle assemblies 2l and 22 forthe mounting of the carriage on wheels 23 which may be provided withconventional tire casings having bullet sealing tubes therein, or withcombat type tires and rims. Member 23 is provided at a pointintermediate the axle assemblies with a transverse arm 26 to which ispivoted, at the ends thereof, a pair of outriggers 21 and 28. Theoutriggers are adapted to be swung from a fold-back position as shown.in Fig. 2te an extended position aligned with arm 26 as shown in Fig.3. Each Outrigger is provided at the outer end thereof with a screw jack29 having a ground engaging foot plate 36 swivelconnected to the lowerend of a post 3|, the post being manually adjustable by cranks 32,pivoted at 33, to allow folding into the position shown during non-use.The upper end of jack 2S is provided with six circumferential slots 29aequally spaced to permit locking of the jack screw at intervals of 60.Suitable means, later described, are provided for locking the outriggersin either a fold-back position for travel or in a laterally extendedposition for ground engagement of foot plates 39 during operation of thegun.

As shown in Fig. 2, outriggers 2T, 23 have their pivoted ends protectedby covers 2id, 28a during travel, the covers being removably attached topermit removal prior to positioning of the outriggers in firingposition. Each outrigger, 2 for example, is pivoted to transverse arm 26as shown in Figs. 21 and 22. A pintle 21e, carrying sleeve 21d isjournaled in arm 26 by bushings 21e. Sleeves 21d are adapted to rotatewith pintle 21o by reason of their engagement with splines 21j of pintle21C. The outer ends of sleeves 21d have integral radial flanges 21h,eccentric in respect to pintle 2'lc to provide cam means, rotatable withthe pintle, for the shifting of Outrigger 2T in respect to member 26,the Outrigger carrying bushings '.llg engaging the Cam anges 27h.. Theupper end of pintle 21o carries a lever arm 21k, having a pivoted handleextension 217' for manipulation of pintle and its associated cammechanism.

Outrigger arm 21 is provided at its pivoted end with a tapered armengaging portion 21m, arm 26 being adapted to receive said portion inlocked engagementl therewith when in the dotted line position shown inFig. 2, lever 21k being rotated to longitudinally move the arm andOutrigger into engagement by means of the above described cam action.Upon release of the lock mechanism and return of the Outrigger to thetraveling position, lever 21k is again rotated to longitudinally moveOutrigger 21 to effect locking engagement between bracket 2711, carriedat the outer end of the Outrigger, and hook 21p, mounted on chassismember 26 to extend laterally therefrom.

Axle assemblies 2| and 22 are substantially identical, each comprising arigid shaft, 34 and 35, respectively, Figs. 2, 6 and 8, said shaftsextending through the main frame member 20 and suitably journaledthereto at 36 to permit rotation about the shaft axes. Assemblies 2l and22 respectively are provided with yokes 38 and 39, later described, topermit rotation of the assemplies from a lowered to a raised wheelposition as shown in heavy and dotted line positions, Fig. 6, the yokesbeing lockable in the positions shown with yoke 3E! providing connectingmeans for a draught bar while yoke 39 provides a gun stay during travel.Wheel mounting spindle assemblies are linked to the axle ends in offsetoutwardly extending relation the-reto by means of ypaired shackles orlink connectors l0 and 4I, the shackle ends being suitably pivoted tocrossheads 42 at the axle :termini and to housings 43 carrying wheelspindles 413 respectively. To permit steering of the front wheels thespindle assembly of the front axle assembly 2l comprises the linkengaged housing 33 in which is journaled a shaft @i6 normally carrying awheel mounting spindle 4l at the lower end thereof.

Shaft G6 has a splined upper end portion to which a steering lever 48 issecured by clamping bolt 46. The upper axle bracket pivot pin 54 hassplined thereto a lever 55 extending into tubular axle 3@ to operate asa bell crank pivotable with shackle Ml. A spring compression rod 56 hasone end pivotally engaged with lever 55, the opposite end looselycarrying a washer 57 against which a helical spring 56 abuts, oppositeend of the spring abutting an annular shoulder 59. The spring isnormally maintained under compression and is responsive `to wheelmovement through a vertical plane whereby to provide shock absorptionmeans between the wheel and the frame to which axle 34 attaches.

Yoke 38 engaging front axle shaft 313, is adapted to be clamped in theposition shown in Figs. 2 and 6 to secure the wheels in a loweredposition for travel, the yoke being swung inwardly as shown in Fig. l toraise :the wheels and allow base plates 30 to contact the ground for therigid positioning of the base frame for gun ring. The yoke also serves,as above stated, as connecting means for a draught bar 62 which isconnected thereto through an intervening double clevis link 63. Thelatter provides a connection for a pair of tie rods 64 having theadjacent ends pivoted thereto by means of universal joints 64a, andhaving their remote ends pivotally connected to steering levers Q8 byuniversal joints 65. The joints 64a have vertical pivots illb engagingthe link 63 and horizontal pivots 64o engaging the tie rods 64. Joints65 pivot about vertical lever pins 65a and horizontal tie rod pins 6519.The arrangement enables steering of the front wheels in response tomovement of the draught bar 62.

The rear axle yoke 33, besi-l shown in Figs. 2G and 21, comprises pairedrods 39a, 3919, converging from the axle to provide a lever swingableoutwardly to the position shown in Fig. 1 to raise the rear wheels whenthe carriage is lowered to operative position, the outer end of the yokebeing provided with set screws 66 for engagement with bores 61 providedin the gun breech, whereby the yoke provides a gun stay to position .thegun when the gun carriage is in a traveling or wheel lowered position.Double wing nuts 68 are provided to prevent loosening of screws 66. Rods33a, 39h have welded therebetween a connector rod 39o and a sheet metalweb 39d. Web 39d is generally X-shape in plan, and is reinforced byinterconnected ribs 39j, 39g formed by stamping. Provision of web 39d ineffect provides diagonal bracing of the web side members 39a, 39h at asubstantially reduced manufacturing cost. The yoke members are joined inunitary assembly by arc welding the joined portions. Axle engaging ends39h, 395/', are provided with locking screws 397e, SQL to preventrelative movement between the axle and stay.

Axles 3d and 35 each carry a centrally positioned toothed quadrant 1Q,the teeth thereof being spaced through an arc of more than The quadrantsare positioned within the main frame member 26 in a position forengagement with pawls T2, whereby tO provide means for locking each axlein a desired wheel position. Pawls l2 may be actuated in and out oflocking engagement with the quadrant through pivot lever 'I3 carrying aneccentric pin Til, to move the pawl against the urge of a spring l5 torelease it from the segment. During travel, the stresses tending torotate the front axle assembly 2| are not ordinarily transmitted to thepawl and quadrant 'lll by reason of yoke 38 being securely clampeddirectly to the front end of member 20 to prevent axle rotationrespecting the frame when the de- Vice is set up for traveling, as bestshown in Fig. 6. When the wheels are in raised position, the pawl andquadrant provide locking means to maintain the wheels above the ground.

Yoke iid, generally V-shaped, is provided at its outer end with abifurcated portion 'it through which a link-connecting pivot pin ilextends, Figs. 6 and '7, said pin engaging one end of the double clevislink t3 to permit pivoting of the link through a horizontal plane whenthe yoke is clamped to the main frame as shown in Fig. 6. The link $3may be secured in fixed position with relation to yoke-end l@ by meansof a locking pin "id insertable through aligned apertures in the linkand yoke-end. Pin 'li' has an extension rod 'E9 pivoted to its lower endat 35i to permit rod is to be swung into and out of engagement with avertically slotted member 3l welded to the iront end of frame member 2b.A pair of wing nuts t2 threadedly engage rod lil to provide clamp meansor locking the front end of yoke 38 to the frame as shown in Fig. 6.

To counter-balance the weight of the carriage and its gun during theraising and lowering operations, suitable energy storing units 83 and t@are provided. These units are disposed within the main frame member 2Bfor association with the wheels through the axles 3E and in a manner tooffset the effect of gravity during pivotal movement of the wheels froma lowered to a raised position or vice versa. The front wheel energystoring unit at comprises a spring compression rod 8S pivotallyconnected to axle mounted segment is at 3l, rod 35 extending through ahelical spring Si? maintained within housing db-etween a cylinder Gwithin the housing and a spring engaging cap :il carried by thecompression rod lib at the outer end thereof. Rotation of axle Sli andsegment lil causes rod 86 to be drawn toward the axle assembly withresultant compression of spring 3. The weight of the carriage and thegun aids in the compression of the spring until the front end of thecarriage rests upon the ground engaging feet 32E. Conversely, when theaxle assembly is rotated in an opposite direction to lower the wheels,the stored energy of spring 88 operates counter to the weight of thecarriage and gun to aid in swinging the carriage into a travelingposition.

Energy storing unit tft associated with the rear axle, works on the sameprinciple, spring S3 working counter to gravity. The spring is suitablyhoused and is connected to the rear axle segment 'lil through pivotedlever ed and chain a sprocket QS being provided to insure straight linepull on the spring compression rod si.

AS shown in 1, the gun il and its operating mechanism are mounted on atop carriage frame platform i iii supported on a turntable Ht, and on apair of spaced gun mount brackets l il, also supported on turntable HG.Turntable llt is mounted for rotation, in a manner later described, upona circular base plate H8, Fig. 2, the base plate being mounted on framemembers 2t and 26 in a position to be diametrically intersected by eachmember. Attached to plate H8 is annular bracket H9 formed with aninwardly directed shoulder lad. Mounted on shoulder lila is an inwardlychanneled annular bearing 52u having a split outer race 52| clampedintermediately of bracket |59 and an inwardly shouldered annular member|22, later described, the member |22 providing a retainer ring forbearing race lZI when clamped to the bracket, preferably bysocket-headed screws llh. Inner race |23 of bearing |26 is clampedbetween an outwardly shouldered annular flange |24 of the turntable lltand a retainer ring |25 preferably by socket headed screws Heb. Races|2| and |23 engage a plurality of diagonally disposed rolls |26 inbearing relation therewith, the roll-s being positioned in a, suitablecage |21, at 45 degrees to the general plane of the bearing assembly,half of the rolls being positioned to rotate about axes disposed in 9i)degree relation to the axes of the balance of the rolls which arealternately spaced as shown in Fig. 11, and at forty-five degrees to theplane of the bearing assembly.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, cage |21 comprises an annulus provided withan outwardly projecting rib 28 having a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced bores |28a, the bores being alternated diagonally as shown inFig. 11 to expose the race engaging roll surfaces at alternatelyopposite sides of the rib |28. Rib |28 has a cylindrical outer surface|2817 to provide clearance at the adjacent roll end. Provision of abearing of this type greatly increases the thrust load limits betweenthe upper carriage and the chassis I5, since the rolls engagetheirfcomplementary races in line contact, whereas the balls of a ballbearing assembly engage their races only in point contact. Further, thealternate disposition of the rolls in forty-five degree angularitypermits an axial thrust limit equal to the radial thrust limit, sincethe race contacting roll surfaces are balanced; hence the bearing isequally effective to withstand forces initiated by gun ring throughoutthe elevatio-nal range of operation. To provide lubricatiton of thebearing rolls and races, the turntable rib |26 is provided in theshouldered portion thereof with an annular groove |2llc, and innerbearing race 23 is provided with circumferentially spaced radial bores|2365. The arrangement is such that grease injected into the groove lcby any suitable means (not shown) will be distributed to the races androlls.

Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative manner in which the turntable may bemounted, wherein a spherical ball bearing lc having a split inner race|23c and an outer race |2|c are clamped respectively to an annularbracket mounted on a base |8c in the manner above taught. The splithalves of race |23c are clamped between rib |240 and retainer ring |250with circumferentially spaced bores |23d therebetween communicating withan annular rib groove 23e into which a grease tting, not shown, leadsfor pressure lubrication of the bearing. A suitable hand hole, notshown, is provided in housing H6 to permit access to the annularbearing. An oil and grease resistant flexible sealing gasket |29 ofrubber-like material seals the space between the bracket HS and adependent flange |||ic on the perimeter of turntableHS, to retainlubricant and keep out sand and dirt.

For the purpose of mounting brackets H1 on the turntable H6, theturntable is provided with two pairs of upstanding spaced ribs |30adapted to snugly engage the lower marginal inner surfaces of bracketsHl and to be welded thereto along lines |3| at the lower margins of thebracket members and at points |32 spaced thereabove and adjacent theupper margins of ribs |3. The bracket plates are provided with suitableapertures |33 to allow Welding as shown in Fig. 13. Brackets l are ofsheet metal construction, and comprise spaced side plates, |35a, Fig. 9,that are generally C-shaped as shown in Fig. 13, the plates beingmaintained in rigid spaced relation by a plurality of reinforcingspacers |35 disposed substantially radially to a point substantially atthe center of the arc of the C-shaped side plates la, as viewed in Fig.13, spacers |35 being welded to the side plates through suitable spacedapertures |35 provided in the side plates. In assembling the bracket,the radial spacers or plates 35 are lirst welded to one of the sideplates in the angular position shown, after which the second side plateis positioned, the device then being welded into unitary assemblythrough apertures |36. The ends of the bracket are closed by applyingand welding suitable sheet metal strips |3519 thereto as best shown inFig. 9. The present construction provides a light weight bracket whichmay be quickly assembled and which has strength and rigidity equal tobrackets of much heavier known construction.

Referring now to l, 3, 4 and 5, the gun I1 may be elevated from aposition slightly below the horizontal position shown in Fig. 1 to aposition extending beyond vertical by a few degrees. l'She gun barreland breech mechanism are pivoted on trunnion ldti, journaled in bearingsllil at the upper of brackets H1, to permit elevational sighting. A gunbarrel |42 associates with breech mechanism 43, the mechanism includinga recoil spring |44 and counter-balancing dash pot m5. The breechmechanism further includes a magazine id'l having loading guides w8projecting through a loading aperture opening upwardly therefrom. Aremovable cover H39 is provided as a protective closure during non-use.Brackets H1 provide support for an elevating mechanism H55 mounted onthe left side of the upper carriage as viewed in Figs. and 9 and on theleft hand trunnion bracket as viewed in Fig. 4. Details of the elevatingmechanism will be later described.

The traversing mechanism |56 is mounted on the opposite trunnion bracketand, partially supported on a plate, not shown, fastened to theturntable platform base i lf as best shown in Figs. l and 9. Operatorseats |53, |53 and foot rests it, Il are provided for the elevatingoperator and 'for the traversing operator respectively, an elevatingcrank E661 and a traversing crank |66 being suitably placed for easyoperation from a sitting position.

A sheet metal loading platform base 5B1, generally planar withupstanding marginal flanges, spans the tubular supporting members ofplatform it, being bolted thereto to provide a suitable working surfacefor the gun-loading operator. Platform |25 and the mechanism mountedthereon is wholly supported by the turntable i I6 which has integralbrackets |38 and 69, shown in Fig. 13, for the support of tubular crossmembers l'li having their outer ends welded to tubular side members |1|additional cross members |12 spanning the ends of the side memberscompleting the platform frame structure. Brackets 113 at the rear of theloading platform receive a sectional ram-rod of the knock-down type.

The gun elevating mechanism |55 engages with a segmental gear |15,secured to the gun breech to depend therefrom in mesh with gear means,later described, for the controlled elevational sweep of gun i1 on itstrunnions |40. For the purpose of counter-balancing the weight of thegun barrel and breech, a pair of spring loaded balancing units |16 arepositioned intermediate brackets l1 and supported by a yoke |11 pivotedbetween the front margins of the brackets on pivot pins Illa. Units |16are connected to segmental gear H through compression rods |18, the rods.being journaled at opposite sides of gear |15, on a yoke bar |19carried by the gear and projecting therethrough. Units 16 are of thetype wherein energy is stored therein upon extension of rods 118 fromthe spring housings iii; hence when the gun is lowered, energy is storedwithin the units to aid the subsequent raising of the gun against thepull of gravity.

As viewed in Fig. 5, the inner foot pedal |6| has an associated pedal|82 suitably connected to the gun firing mechanism, not shown, andforming no part of the present invention. A manual lever |83, pivoted toa platform bracket |84, is connected through suitable linkage to clutchmechanisms |85 and |31 of a traversing drive mechanism ii and anelevating drive |39, respectively, whereby the gun operating mechanismmay be quickly shifted from manual operation to power operation.

Traversing mechanism |56, as shown in Figs. ly 14, l5 and 16, includesan upper housing |82 mounted to project laterally of one of the pairedbrackets ill, and a horizontally disposed housing |93 secured to andprojecting from housing EQ2, a horizontally disposed driving shaft |94and a vertically disposed driven shaft |95, being journalcd therein.Housing i923 provides support for a pair of shaft positioning annularball bearings ii and le? for shaft i912, the bearings being separated bya sleeve |98 with their inner races clamped between an annular shoulderadjacent a bevel pinion its on the inner shaft end, and the nut 2G!)threadedly engaging said sha-ft ld.

Bearings |96 and S91, are adapted to absorb thrust loads in axialdirections toward each other. Nut Z may be adjusted to compensate forend play oi the shaft. Backlash between the bevel drive pinion it@ and adriven gear splined to driven shaft V95 at 203, is eliminated throughprovision of suitable shimming at 232 between housings |92 and |513.Shaft 95 is journaled in housing 592 with a spacer sleeve 2M, spacerwasher 2i35 and driven gear 295 clamped between the inner races of ballbearings 'M33 and 2&1, by nuts 2i2 and 253-, threadedly engaging thedriven shaft. A housing engaged nut 2|@ constrains the shaft, bearings,and gear against movement in respect to the housing, while a detachableboss 2|5 provides shaft positioning means at the upper end thereof.

Pinion shaft |94 projects from housing |93, the outer shaft portionbeing splined at ZIB to receive a quill extension 211 of a gear 2&8 innon-rotatable relation to the shaft, the quill being locked againstaxial movement by a flat headed shaft engaging screw 2i9 and a set screw22e. A sleeve-like clutch element 222 to which operating crank |66 isremovably attached, is mounted on quill 2|1 with a hanged portion 223having teeth 224 adapted to mesh with gear 2|8 to provide a positiveengagement clutch between the crank IGS and the pinion shaft |955. Aspring biased detent 22S is carried by quill 2li1 for engagement Withcircumferential grooves 221, 228 to releasably lock element 222 ineither engaged or disengaged relation with shaft |913.

To provide releasable engagement of crank with element 222, the elementis provided with a channeled portion 235.), square in crosssection asshown in Fig. 16, each edge being centrally provided with an inwardlydirected bore 23|. Crank |66 includes arm 233 provided 9 at its radiallyinner end 23d with biiurcated portion engageable with the channeledportion 239 of element 222. Handle portion 234 carries a spring biasedplunger 235 for locking engagement with one of the bores 23| when thehandle is brought into operative position. A plunger knob 23E permitswithdrawal of the plunger to eifect release oi the handle. The outer endof the handle` arm 233 has splines, thereto a shaft 233 on which a handgrip 233 is rotatably mounted. The handle, as shown in Fig. 5, iscompleted by a second radial arm, splined to the opposite end thereof; asecond shaft lbeing splined thereto and provided with a hand grip.

The driven shaft 525 of the traversing drive mechanism shown in Fig. 15is connected with the Vertical shaft 22|) of the reduction mechanismshown in Fig. lll through suitable universal joints Ztl and 242 andintervening flexible connector 223. Shaft 2F53 is journaled within ahousing 2li-5 by means of duplex precision ball bearings 2st, 2M toprevent backlash, bearing 228 providing journaling means at the lowershaft end.

A bevel gear 25@ is splined to shaft 2130 adjacent lower duplex bearing247, gear 25%) being in mesh with diametrically positioned pinion gears252 and 253, integral respectively with shafts 254 and 255, said shaftsand pinions being journaled within outwardly extending casing portions255 and 25'? by bearings 258, 29 and 26), 26|, the shafts being adjustedagainst axial movement respecting the housing through adjust/ment ofnuts 252, 2,3. Bearings 21%5, 2M are mounted within a boss 2554, clampedby cap screws 2620; to housing 245 with intervening shims 2Mb to permitadjustment of gear 252 in respect to gears 252, 253. Shaft 254% has itsouter end splined at 225 for engagement with the drive mechanism |38.Shaft 255 has a knurled end 253 for engagement with the drive shaft 221of indicator not herein described, the shaft 252 being journaled inhousing 26S as shown in Figs. l and 5. When either the indicator or thedrive mechanism are not connected, as shown, the shaft ends areprotected by removable caps N2.

At the lower end or shaft 22s is a spur gear 213, `meshed with a largerspur gear 232 splined to a shaft 2'55 in parallel oiset relation toshaft 229, shaft being journaled within housing 245 by means duplex ballbearings 228, 2id and aX- ially adjustable by nut 232. A spur gear orpinion 282 is integrally formed at the lower end of shaft 2l5, adepending portion 283 of housing Zilli enclosing the gear.

Referring to Fig. 9, housing of the traversing mechanism is mounted torotate with turntable H6. The marginal dependent flange portion lloc ofthe turntable llt is cut away, not shown, to allowgear 222 to extendbelow the top Iwall thereof and mesh with the teeth on a iixed annularor ring gear 286 which is housed below the turntable. Ring gear 282 ispreferably made integral with annular member |22 and is thus maintainedin concentric relation to the bearings and annular rib |24, insuringthat the pinion 262 will always run true with respect to gear 234 inturntable IIS. The relation of these gears is such that gear 284 is asun gear and pinion 232 is a planet gear. Since pinion 282 is rotatablymounted in respect to the Xed ring gear 284, rotation of pinion 232through crank |66 or by drive unit |88 aiects rotation of turntable l Ittogether with the gun and its operating mechanism mounted thereon. It isapparent from the above description of the traversing drive mechanism,that no backlash exists therein, hence extremely accurate adjustmentsare insured.

The gun elevating mechanism is mounted on the opposite trunnion bracket,as best shown in Figs. 5, 9, i3, i7 and 18. A handle its, identical withhandle |656, above described, is removably attached to a horizontaldrive shaft 29E, Figs. l'? and 18, journaled in housing 229i and havingan integral pinion 292 meshing with a complementary bevel gear 233carried at the upper end of a vertical driven shaft 293 journaled in ahousing 29'! and provided at its lower end with a worm gear 238. Wormgear 298 drives a pinion gear 3Q@ mounted on one end of a horizontalshaft Sill, journaled for rotation in a laterally extending housingportion 3&2. Shaft 35i has an integral spur gear 323 at the inner endthereof. Shafts 292, 296 and 353| are journaled in their respectivehousings by suitable ball bearings 304, S; s, 387; and 333, Sila,bearings 385, 38'! being of the duplex type. The bearings in both thetraversing and elevating mechanisms either include an attached oil seal3i! or are provided with an oil seal 3| 2 adjacent thereto wherenecessary.

As best shown in Fig. l0, housing 22'! is mounted on the left handbracket ill as viewed, with the laterally disposed housinfr portion 322,not shown, projecting thro-ugh suitable apertures provided in the wallsof the bracket, and disposed within a supporting cylindrical housing 354spanning brackets Hl with the housing ends welded thereto. Cylinder tiltis provided with an aperture 3|3 to expose a portion of gear 333 toallow said gear to mesh with segmental gear |15, positioned thereabove,as shown in Fig. l, and depending from the gun breech, whereby rotationof crank |62 pivots gun il on its trunnions i555). Power transmissionfrom the drive unit |83 to the elevating mechanism is effected through ashaft Sie, Fig. i7, provided with a bevel gear l. rlhe shaft and gearare suitably journaled by bearings 3|?, 3&3 within a housing 3|3 clampedto housing 293, and in a position to permit gear 316 to mesh with acomplementary bevel gear 323 carried at the lower end of vertical shaft296. A removable closure plate 32| allows access of the bevel gears.During power operation of both the elevating mechanism and thetraversing mechanism, the respective cranks |66 and |65 are disengagedfrom the driven mechanism by release of their respective clutchmechanisms above described, or are completely removed.

Fingers 322 at each end of the segmental gear |15 engage with stopmembers 323 mounted on cylinder 3M, to define the extreme positions ofgun pivot and to limit pivotal movement thereof through an arc ofslightly more than During pivoting of the gun barrel and breech, theweight balancing units and their yokes lll pivot in respect to the pinsIlla on which they are mounted to compensate for the change of positionof yoke bar il!! to which the compression rods W8 attach, whereby therods are axially aligned With the unit housing at all elevationalangles. To permit adjustment between segmental gear l'l and elevationalspur gear 333, shims lilla are provided between bearings itl andbrackets |11. Bearings Isl are of the split type, the plane of divisionbetween the bearing halves being at right angles to a line drawn betweenthe axes oi spur gear 383 and the trunnions lll, whereby varying thebearing shimming alters the extent of mesh between the spur pinion andthe associated segmental gear.

Operation of the device is as follows. The carriage is made ready forconversion from a raise or traveling position to a lowered or firingposition by iirst swinging outrigger arms 2l and 28 from the foldedposition. shown in heavy lines, Fig. 2, to the outwardly extendingdotted line pc- Sition shown therein in heavy lines, Fig. 3, theoutriggers being locked in that position. The yokes 33 and El?, are thenunlocked from the chassis and gun breech respectively in the mannerabove taught and individually or simultaneously swung in the directionto lower the carn riage frame onto the ground, each axle assembly 2l and22 being then locked by its associated quadrant and pawl device.

Ground stakes or pickets 332 are removed from their carrying brackets333, Fig. 2, and lowered through guide brackets 334, on the main frameand outriggers, to be driven into the ground as illustrated in dottedlines, Fig. l. The chassis is then levelled by manipulation of jacks 29,spirit levels 3215 boing provided near the Outrigger ends for thispurpose, as shown in Fig. 2. Level 329 is provided at the rear end ofthe carriage chassis, the chassis being levelled from thefront end.Additional spirit levels 33t, 33| are provided on the top carriage framefor nal levelling. Yoke 33 and draught bar 62 assume the folded positionshown in Fig. i, while yoke 39 extends outwardly from the carriage asshown therein. The disconnecting of gun stay 39 from the breechmechanism allows both elevational and traversing movements of the gun,and the device is ready for manua1 operation. If the gun is to be poweroperated, suitable power lines are connected to the electric motor 336and 331 of drive mechanisms $88 and H89 respectively.

The carriage is preferably provided with four wheel electricallyoperable brakes 3M), controllable from the towing vehicle throughconduits 311| having suitable releasable connections. Mounted on the gunat the outer end of rod 3&2 is a traversing sight fills and anelevational sight 3511.

I claim:

l. A gun mount comprising a turntable, a fabricated trunnion bracket,generally C-shaped in elevation mounted on said turntable, said bracketcomprising a pair of C-shaped side plates maintained in parallel spacedrelation by a plurality of spacer elements disposed therebetween, saidelements being positioned in spaced relal2 tion transversely of theC-shaped side plates with opposite edges welded to the side plates toprovide an internally reinforced light weight bracket.

2. A gun carriage frame comprising a metal turntable structure having anupper wall provided with a pair of spaced upstanding integral ribs, anda pair of gun mount brackets mounted on said turntable to projectvertically upwardly therefrom, each bracket comprising a pair of sheetmetal plates and web-like spacer elements therebetween and weldedthereto, said plates having portions welded to the outer surface of saidribs.

3. In a gun mount, a traversing mechanism comprising a fixed base formedwith an annular shoulder, a turntable rotatably mounted on said base andprovided with a gun supporting bracket, the under side of said turntablebeing formed with a concentric shoulder confronting said firstnamedshoulder and concentric therewith, bearing races and bearings retainedbetween said shoulders and connecting said base and turntable to providesupport for the turntable and constructed and arranged to withstandthrust loads therebetween in both a radial and an axial direction, anannular clamping member rigidly retaining one of the bearing races uponthe shoulder on said base, a ring gear formed on the periphery of saidannular clamping member concentrically with respect to the bearing racesand shoulders on the base and turntable, a pinion mounted on saidturntable for rotation about an axis fixed with respect thereto, saidpinion meshing with said ring gear, and means for rotating said pinionto eiiect rotation of said turntable, 'the concentricity of the ringgear with respect to the bearing means and turntable assuring accuracyin the traversing operation of the gun mount.

ll. A gun mount comprising a turntable, a fabricated trunnion bracket,generally C-shaped in elevation, mounted on said turntable, said bracketcomprising a pair of C-shaped side plates maintained in parallel spacedrelation by a plurality of spacer elements disposed therebetween, saidelements being positioned in spaced relation transversely of theC-shaped side plates with opposite edges welded to the side plates toprovide an internally reinforced light weight bracket, said spacerelements extending substantially radially with respect to a pointsubstantially at the center of .the arc of the C-shaped side plates.

RAYMOND W. ALLEN.

